Ruins

Somawathiya Stupa

Province

North Central

District

Polonnaruva

Nearest Town

Polonnaruva

Period

2nd Century A.C.

Ruler

King Giriaba

Introduction

Somawathiya was built in 2nd century BC. According to chronicles, Somawathi Chethiya
was built by Prince Giri-aba on the request of his wife Princess Somawathi (sister
of King Kavanthissa) who lived on a small community called "Somapura" on the banks
of Mahaveli River. Upon completion of the Stupa, Sacred right tooth relic of Buddha
was gifted to the prince by Buddhist monk Maha Thera Mahinda. The relic was enshrined
in relic chamber of the stupa. From then on till 4th century AD, the sacred city
was renovated by King Kannitta Tissa, King Kurtakanna Tissa, King Gamini Abhaya
and King Amanda Gamini.

The Somawathiya Chethiya is located by the bank of the River Mahaveli within the
Somawathiya strict natural reserve and wildlife sanctuary. Sungawila is the last
route to Somawathiya. It is said to have been the abode of 500 Arahat (supremely
enlightened, who broke free from the suffering in the cosmos, the eternal cycle
of birth, death & rebirth) Bhikkhus in the 2nd century BC..

The River Mahaweli that changed its course 800 years ago The historical records
narrate that the Somawathiya stupa was built on the eastern bank of the Mahaveli
River. But today the stupa is located about 1/2 km from the west bank of the river.
Initial confusion was subsequently solved with discovery that the river has changed
its course during the last 800 years and in fact the current sandy road leading
to the Somawathi was the path of the river some 800 years ago. The change of course
River Mahaweli at Somawthiya correlate well with A. Denis N. Fernando's (at BMICH
on 18th October 2002) theory in relation to the "Decline of the ancient Hydraulic
civilization of Sri Lanka".

Rediscovery of the site & excavations The site was rediscovered in 1940's and in
1948 Ceylon secured independence from the British colonialists. Renovations were
initiated by a group of devotees. In 1964 archaeologists started excavating the
site. While excavating the main stupa, a smaller stupa at a depth of 5 feet into
the main stupa was found. It is believed this smaller stupa was the original Somawathi
Chethiya build by prince Giriaba in the 2nd century BC and the latter stupa build
around the original was the work of King Kanitta Tissa in 164 AD. Archaeologists
unearthed several ruins of structures including a wall surrounding the stupa. Also
unearthed are four moonstones, flower pedestals, six 3 1/2 feet long "siripa gal"
(rocks carved with the image of sole of the feet of Buddha). Nine stone inscriptions
have been found around this site & four of the nine inscriptions on the Eric Swan
rock.

Eric Swan rock The Eric Swan rock is located a few meters away from the gravel road,
about 100 meters before the main entrance to the temple. Eric Swan who took a shot
at the massive reclining Buddha statue carved into the rock was killed by one of
the wild elephants who were disturbed by the sound of the gunshot. Elephants used
to rub their backs & butts (Eh!) on a nearby rock outcrop. Carved into the rock
surface where Eric Swan stood standing cross-legged, flamboyantly took his aim &
shot at the Buddha statue is the print of his shuffled feet. A villager has resolved
to etch the uncivilized act right into the huge rock itself.